HISTORY
Our team was started by
Michael LEAHY, a teacher at a local primary school. The team consisted of a few
teachers and some of their friends together with a few parents of students. The
idea was to get a bunch of blokes together with a common love for the game of
cricket and with a view to spending Saturday afternoons playing the game we
loved.
In the following pages you can follow the ups and downs of the team and the
individual players as well as the movement of the team between clubs.
PART 1 gives details of the two seasons when
Michael was Manager/Captain. PART 2 takes over
from when Michael departed (he went bush, to Warren, to teach) and Denis
DRUMMOND took over. PART 3 continues the team's
history with the move to the Liverpool Catholic Club Cricket Club (L.C.C.C.C.). PART 4 is about the sojourn to Moorebank Sports
Cricket Club. Then in PART 5 follow our return to the Catholic Club, which turned out to be a mistake.
Following a complete lack of support from the Committee of L.C.C.C.C. I had a season off and now have begun what may be the "last session" (for how many seasons I don't know at this stage) with Ingleburn RSL playing with my brother Allan (Butch). You can catch up with the final seasons in PART 6.
PART 1
1991/92
|
Manager/Captain |
Michael LEAHY |
|
|
Club |
Prestons Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade |
D3 |
|
|
Home Ground |
Jardine Park |
|
|
Summary of results: |
||
|
Won Outright |
3 |
|
|
Won 1st Innings |
6 |
|
|
Drawn/Washed Out |
1 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings |
6 |
|
|
Position on Ladder |
4th |
There
are no individual players records available for this season so I am working
from memory (but I think I am pretty close to the mark).
The leading wicket takers for the season were Craig SCARFE and Richard
SULLIVAN. The batting aggregate and average were won by Andrew CHINN (CHINNY). Centuries were scored by CHINNY (2), Max NORTHAM and Jim LAZARUS. CHINNY,
being our keeper, took the most catches.
Being a new team in the competition we were graded in the lowest grade but we
surprised everyone by finishing 4th. We played Mt Pritchard in the Semi-final
and won fairly convincingly. To make the final in our first season was
incredible. We played Green Valley in the final and after getting them out for
something like 80 odd runs we thought we had it won. That was not to be as we
collapsed to be all out for about 70. Still, not a bad start for our team.
1992/93
|
|
Manager/Captain |
Michael LEAHY |
|
Club |
Prestons Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade |
D2 |
|
|
Home Ground |
Phillip Park |
|
|
Summary of results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings |
9 |
|
|
Drawn/Washed Out |
1 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings |
5 |
|
|
Position on Ladder |
4th |
Again,
with no records available, I am working from memory.
SCARFY would
have been the leading wicket taker and presumedly had the best average as well.
I think CHINNY would have taken out
the batting awards again as well as the most catches. Centuries were scored by SCARFY and CHINNY. I cannot remember if there were any others. Having been
put up a grade following our great effort in 1991/92 we once again made the
play-offs but unfortunately we were beaten in the Semi-final.
PART 2
The
following details were put together from records that were available to me over the years. They are fairly accurate.
Our
Manager/Captain (Michael LEAHY) decided it was time to go bush, so after the
1992/93 season he took up a position teaching at Warren. We had the choice of
continuing to play cricket or let the team fold. It was evident that when
Michael left there would be a departure of other players because a few of them
were travelling some distance to play with us in the previous two seasons and they
were friends of Michael's.
Before Michael left he rang me to see if I would take over the roll of
Manager/Captain and much to the dismay of my darling wife, Pat, I accepted.
Although we struggled to get a side together we managed to put together a makeshift
side that would at least let us continue playing while at the same time
watching out for possible recruits.
1993/94
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
|
Club: |
Prestons Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
D1 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Phillip Park |
|
|
Summary of results: |
||
|
Won on 1st Innings: |
3 |
|
|
Lost on 1st Innings: |
9 |
|
|
Lost Outright: |
2 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
8th (Last) |
David CAMERON took the most wickets while Brian
GORMAN had the best bowling average. Brian AVERY scored two centuries (he
scored a century in his first game with us) and secured both the batting
aggregate and average.
After the loss of a few key players from the previous season we found it
difficult to win a game, even with the great batting efforts of Brian AVERY.
Most games saw us struggling to even get a full side on the paddock but we
persevered to the end. This season was the start of the David CAMERON
"era". This was our worst season by far.
1994/95
|
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
Club: |
Prestons Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
D1 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Phillip Park |
|
|
Summary of results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
11 |
|
|
Won Outright: |
2 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
3 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
1st (Minor premiers) |
Centuries were scored by Jason NAULTY (2), Brian
AVERY and Greg RYAN. Jason NAULTY took most wickets (51) and also had the best
bowling average. Gary SMITH was not far behind. Jason also had the best batting
aggregate and average with Brian close behind in both.
After our dismal performance in 1993/94 we had a recruitment drive and this saw
us pick up Jason and Gary along with Greg RYAN and a couple of other young
players who helped to give us a very competitive side.
With a complete turn around from the previous season we went on to win our
first premiership. A good season for everyone.
1995/96
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
|
Club: |
Prestons Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
C2 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Phillip Park |
|
|
Summary of results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
3 |
|
|
Drawn/Washed Out: |
2 |
|
|
Won 1st Innings/Lost Outright: |
1 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
6 |
|
|
Byes: |
2 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
6th |
|
Leading wicket takers were Gary SMITH, who had the
best average as well as the most wickets followed closely by me (Denis
DRUMMOND). Leading run scorer was Greg RYAN. David CAMERON had the best batting
average.
This was an average season where we had our chances but were not good enough on
the day. A few close games saw the result go the other way and this cost us a
chance of making the Semi's.
1996/97
|
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
Club: |
Prestons Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
C2 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Phillip Park |
|
|
Summary of results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
6 |
|
|
Drawn/Washed Out: |
2 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
3 |
|
|
Lost on Forfeit: |
2 |
|
|
Lost on Protest: |
1 |
|
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
5th |
Greg RYAN scored three centuries and naturally had
the best batting aggregate. The leading wicket takers were Brad BANKS (24),
Denis DRUMMOND (20) and David CAMERON (18). David had the best bowling average
just beating Denis by 0.06.
Another average season where some unfortunate
incidents saw us lose games that we probably should have won. These incidents
were instrumental in us just missing out on the Semi's once again.
PART 3
We had been with
Prestons Cricket Club for 6 seasons and, although we were treated very well by the
club, it was about time for a change. A few phone calls to see which clubs had
the best "deal" saw us move across to the LIVERPOOL CATHOLIC CLUB
CRICKET CLUB.
This club was a relatively new club in the area and it seemed a good prospect
to settle in and form a solid relationship with a new, and fairly financial,
club that would look after us.
1997/98
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
|
Club: |
Liverpool Catholic Club Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
C2 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Powell Park |
|
|
Summary of Results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
11 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
4 |
|
|
Lost on Protest: |
1 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
2nd |
The move to L.C.C.C.C. certainly agreed with the side.
We had some very convincing wins and some very impressive performances from
most of the players.
Centuries were scored by Robert CAMERON (2), Greg RYAN, Mathew DOWLING and
Chris DRUMMOND. Mathew DOWLING scored the most runs for the season while Andrew
CHINN had the best batting average. Sean McVITTIE was the leading wicket taker,
with 44,and Vince HONORE was not far behind with 33.
Apart from a few snags this was one of our best seasons. It was our second
premiership win and it got us off to a good start with the new club, until the
presentation night which saw a couple of our younger players have one or two
too many drinks and subsequently were kicked out of the club.
1998/99
|
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
Club: |
Liverpool Catholic Club Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
B2 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Powell Park |
|
|
Summary of Results: |
||
|
Won Outright: |
4 |
|
|
Won 1st Innings: |
6 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
6 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
2nd |
Following the loss of several of our young players
from the successful side of 1997/98, due to a disturbance at the presentation
night by a couple of them, we seemed destined for another dismal season (as was
the case in 1993/94 after Michael LEAHY and a few others departed). We looked
like being short of players and also faced the prospect of being put up a grade
due to our competition win the previous season.
However, our luck was in. The Club's A2 grade side decided to disband, due also
to the lack of numbers, and we were more than happy for a couple of them to
join us. There were still five team members from 1997/98 and we gained two
players from the disbanded A2 side together with two Under 16's players, (a
third one was to join our side later in the season), plus a few new players.
All these new recruits contributed significantly to our performances throughout
the season.
Sean LAWLOR, the third of the Under 16's players to join us, scored the only
century. While Andrew CHINN was the top run scorer. Martin WOOLLEY, (from the
A2 side), took 67 wickets. Martin's bowling was a major factor in us making the
playoffs. Chris VELLA supported Martin exceptionally well taking 48 wickets.
Both bowlers took hat-tricks, with Martin taking 2.
After winning the Semi-final fairly easily I think we went into the Final too
confident. Having lost the toss in the Final we were put in to bat but could
only score 32 runs, with 5 players not getting on the scoreboard. Naturally,
this was a difficult score to defend and we lost the game (on the first day).
With the likely loss of Martin for next season (due to work commitments) we are
hoping to again consolidate our position by recruiting one or two more players.
1999/00
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
|
Club: |
Liverpool Catholic Club Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
B2 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Powell Park |
|
|
Summary of Results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
4 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
8 |
|
|
Washed Out: |
2 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
5th |
The loss of Martin WOOLLEY proved to be a major
factor in our performance during the season. While our remaining bowlers did a
good job, the loss of our main strike bowler, (and with CHINNY not available)
caused us to do it tough. Right up to the last two games we were still a
possibility of making the finals, but, disappointingly, three players failed to
show up for the second last game, and as we all know it is hard to win a game
with only eight players. We finished 5th which under the
circumstances, wasn't a bad result.
After two
seasons in the wilderness, it was time for the CAMERONS to return. I had spoken to David during the off-season and
he said they were looking for a game in the upcoming season (2000/2001). With
our side playing the 1999/2000 season "under strength" following the
loss of Martin WOOLLEY, plus the
fact that Robert CAMERON and Sean McVITTIE were banned from the
Catholic Club, it was time for another move.
MOOREBANK SPORTS
CLUB here we come.
MOOREBANK is one of the bigger clubs in the area and if we
made the move we could get Robert and Sean (and the rest) back and we would
have a fairly strong side. Unfortunately only three of the Catholic Club team
were prepared to make the move with us.
2000/01
|
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
Club: |
Moorebank Sports
Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
B2 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Endeavour No. 5 |
|
|
Summary of
Results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
6 |
|
|
Won on Forfeit: |
2 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
4 |
|
|
Lost on Forfeit: |
2 |
|
|
Washed Out: |
1 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
Equal 3rd |
We got off to a good start with the new club (even after forfeiting
our first game due to lack of numbers). We made the semi-finals (for the 6th
time in ten seasons) but our batting let us down and we were knocked out.
Overall, making the semi-finals was an excellent achievement considering we
played the last half of the season at least one man short. Chris DRUMMOND took out the batting
aggregate and Chris JACKSON the
average. David CAMERON took out
both the bowling aggregate and average (and he also scored two 50's). Vince HONORE, Sean McVITTIE and Jonathan MEZNARIC also bowled well and Thomas McVITTIE took five wickets in
his first spell late in the season. Chris
JACKSON (wicket-keeper) took the most catches. There were no centuries
scored, but Chris DRUMMOND had a
score of 95 and Chris JACKSON a
score of 85.
With a few of the players from the 2000/2001 season still owing
money (and a bit unreliable) it became time to head back to the Catholic Club
to regain some stability. With a mixture of three players from our Moorebank
team from the previous season, some young players that played D1's last season
(for the Catholic Club) and two players from the Mt Pritchard C3's, we look
like having a fairly competitive side.
2001/02
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
|
Club: |
Liverpool Catholic Club Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
B1 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Powell Park |
|
|
Summary of Results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
2 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
9 |
|
|
Lost Outright: |
2 |
|
|
Lost on Forfeit: |
1 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
8th (last) |
A season that we would rather forget. A lot of dropped catches cost
us at least three games. There was a couple of other games where we were only a
few runs short. Andrew SUPPLE
took most of the honours for the season with the batting aggregate and average
with Chris DRUMMOND not far
behind. Andrew also had the best bowling average with Aaron STEVENS taking the most wickets and Denis DRUMMOND the second highest wicket taker. Alex ROMAN (wicketkeeper) took the
most catches.
To start off the new season (2002/03) we only have eight players
registered (plus one registered to fill in on a part-time basis). It is shaping
up to be a long season. With the inclusion of a few of the Under 16’s we will
at least have a full side (hopefully) and the young players will improve after
a full season in seniors. Our view is to build up for next season.
2002/03
|
|
Manager/Captain: |
Denis DRUMMOND |
|
Club: |
Liverpool Catholic Club Cricket Club |
|
|
Grade: |
B1 |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Powell Park |
|
|
Summary of Results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
|
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
9 |
|
|
Drawn: |
1 |
|
|
Lost Outright: |
4 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
8th (last) |
If, at the end of last season, we thought
that things couldn’t get any worse, we were wrong. The 2002/03 season started
with an outright loss, partly because we only had 9 players, but mainly because
the inconsiderate arsehole, Aaron STEVENS, left the ground at 3:00 pm to go to
the football (which was due to start at 7:30 pm that night) and Mick BENNETT left
before the end of our first innings. This left us with only 7 batsmen for the
second innings and it was easy pickings for the opposition to pick up an
outright. Things didn’t improve much from there.
Aaron was of the opinion that he was the
star player in the side and therefore should not do any umpiring or help out in
any way. When he did help with scoring he stuffed it up completely because he
was to busy trying to impress the younger players with his loud mouth attempt
at being witty. With only 4 senior players in the side and three regular
players from the Under 16 side plus Aaron, who wasn’t sure whether he was one
of the senior players or one of the junior players, we struggled to get a full
side for most games. Naturally we did not win a game.
Aaron was left out of the equation when
comparing averages and aggregates (he was told before the end of the last game
that he was no longer a member of the team). Therefore, Ryan ALEXANDER ended up
with the best bowling average and the most wickets (17) closely followed by
Denis DRUMMOND and Andrew SUPPLE (15 each). Andrew also scored the most runs
(338) with Ryan and Todd SMITH not far behind. Thomas WATT (keeper) took the
most catches and Scott SUPPLE and Martin MACRI continued their good form in the
field.
In the last game Aaron (alias R. SOUL) flat out refused to do his share of umpiring even though we only had 9 players. Because of his actions I was of the opinion that Aaron was not deserving of any trophies. However, the Committee, who showed no common sense at all, went out of their way to avoid supporting me on that matter and came up with lame "excuses" (but could not give any tangible "reasons") and they therefore gave trophies to Aaron. I REFUSE TO PLAY FOR A CLUB THAT DOES NOT SUPPORT THEIR CAPTAINS. A new beginning (No. 4) is now certain - maybe Cabra Leagues or even Ingleburn RSL.
2004/05
After a season on the sidelines and missing the action I decided to play with my big brother in the Camden competition, playing for Ingleburn RSL. A complete change - no more managing/captaining the side. Just turn up and play.
|
Manager/Captain: |
Allan DRUMMOND |
|
|
Club: |
Ingleburn RSL |
|
|
Grade: |
7th |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Wood Park |
|
|
Summary of Results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
9 |
|
|
Won Outright: |
4 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
2 |
|
|
Lost Outright: |
1 |
|
|
Drawn: |
1 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
3rd |
After finishing 3rd at the end of the competition rounds we had to do it the hard way to make the Grand Final under the new system where 1st and 2nd have a second chance. We had to win 3 games to take out the competition. After easily beating UWS and then Collies in the Semis we did it tough against Magpies in the Grand Final but managed to pull off a win in the last over. A great year all round with everyone contibuting to the successful season. Bowling honours (including the finals) went to Denis DRUMMOND with 32 wickets closely followed by Luke STEPHENSON - 29; Dean (Fred) MORGAN and Jamie (Squirt) MASTERS both with 28 and John (Bozo) KEATS - 24. Bozo also had the best average (including the finals) with 9.87 closely followed by all the other bowlers with averages between 11 and 13. Batting honours went to Dean (Fred) MORGAN with 656 at an average of 46.86. Peter POLATOS was next with 455 (average 28.44). Brenton HART scored the only century of the season and John (Bozo) KEATS' 89 in the Grand Final was worthy of a century. Peter POLATOS took the most catches/stumpings. A great season and hopefully the team can stay together and go on to bigger and better things in the future.
2005/06
The return of the 2004/05 victors. With ten players backing up from the 2004/05 season plus three new recruits, (one "older" player and two young guns), we look set for at least a competitive season.
|
Manager/Captain: |
Allan DRUMMOND |
|
|
Club: |
Ingleburn RSL |
|
|
Grade: |
5th |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Wood Park |
|
|
Summary of Results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
7 |
|
|
Won Outright: |
3 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
7 |
|
|
Lost Outright: |
0 |
|
|
Drawn: |
0 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
2nd |
A very successful season. Even though we were put up 2 grades, following our premiership win in 2004/05, we finished in 2nd place. After losing the Semi-final to the Minor Premiers, (Tahmoor), we met Cobbitty/Narellan in the final and won. this gave us another shot at Tahmoor in the Grand Final. After an early batting collapse the tail wagged with Dean MORGAN (51), Jamie MASTERS (15) and Denis DRUMMOND (2 no) putting on 65 runs for the last 2 wickets to give us a respectable score of 136. We then had Tahmoor in trouble after getting their top order batsmen out cheaply (they were 5 for about 80 at one stage). However we failed to get any more wickets and Tahmoor passed our score. A good season all round with everyone contributing at some stage. Dean MORGAN scored the most runs (374) and John KEATS had the best batting average (25.15). Dean Morgan also took the most wickets (33) with Jamie MASTERS close behind (32). Jamie had the best average (13.31). In all five bowlers took 20 wickets or more. The others were John KEATS (26), Mick O'BRIEN (21) and Denis DRUMMOND (20).
2006/07
With virtually no change to the player roster for the upcoming season we look to be more than competitive once again. There are 12 of the 13 returning from the 2005/06 season. Aaron SMITH the only loss (due to work commitments). The inclusion of David INNES to replace Aaron should bolster the side.
|
Manager/Captain: |
Allan DRUMMOND |
|
|
Club: |
Ingleburn RSL |
|
|
Grade: |
5th |
|
|
Home Ground: |
Wood Park |
|
|
Summary of Results: |
||
|
Won 1st Innings: |
10 |
|
|
Won Outright: |
1 |
|
|
Lost 1st Innings: |
2 |
|
|
Lost Outright: |
1 |
|
|
Drawn: |
1 |
|
|
Position on Ladder: |
2nd |
